Books and Dogs in Maine? Kewel!

Earlier this week on my other site, I recommended three different blogs to visit for entertainment, inspiration, information, motivation, or a smattering of all three.

One of the blogs I mentioned was this one, of course.  I don't know of anywhere else where you can find as many different voices in a single forum.


I also recommended http://www.bariatricrenewal.blogspot.com/, by my friend, Marlena of Mohegan.  Marlena saw my blog and sent the following reply.  I'm posting it here because it's germaine to BWOB's whole modus operandi of supporting and endorsing Brick and Mortar bookstores...

Thanks for the good words Alan. I always wanted to have a bookstore like one I saw up in Maine. It had two fireplaces, a couple of comfy old sofas, a lazy sleeping dog and a couple of cats snoozing in the sunshine. I don't know how many books they sold but it looked like a great place to relax.

The Bruised Apple in Peekskill comes close to that one in comfort but has no animals or fireplace. I actually fell asleep on one of their sofas once but that was probably before I knew I had sleep apnea. Back then I could sleep anywhere. (I actually slept through my first root canal) Bruised Apple sells mostly used books but have some new books with local subjects or authors. They also have used vinyl records.

I've never been to The Bruised Apple, myself.  I don't get over to Peekskill as much as I used to, but the next time I do, if I've got time to kill, I'll definitely find it.  Here's their website, if you feel adventurous http://www.bruisedapplebooks.com/  I'm not endorsing them, I'm just relaying what I was told.  I'm also going to have to get Marlena to divulge the name and location of that bookstore she mentioned in Maine.  That sounds road-trip worthy.

Oh, as far as actual books go, I did finish The China Gambit by Allan Topol.  Mr. Topol was the guy I met at the B&N on 3rd Avenue in Mansquattin.  This was such a fun read.  You can go to my previous post to see the mini-review http://www.booksellerswithoutborders.blogspot.com/2012/02/basso-for-hire-china-gambit.html.

So I finished it.  It's good and exciting and things blow up and sometimes you're not sure who's a good guy and who's a bad guy.  I'm looking forward to Mr. Topol's next "Craig Page" novel with loins a-quiver.

Wait.  Scratch that.  Let's just say I'm eager...NO!  There's no eager quivering!  Um.  I liked this book.  I want to read more of Allan Topol's stuff.

Basso For Hire

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu is an Urban Fantasy based off of the famous stories of Hans Christian Anderson. A young woman named Hazel goes on a journey into a forest where everything is magical and nothing is pleasant like the settings of her favorite books.

The reason Hazel enters the woods is friendship. A childhood friend, named Jack, is taken by the Ice Queen after his heart becomes hard. Both Jack and Hazel are beginning to change from children to young adults. Instead of making up baseball stats for Jack’s favorite superheroes or playing Hazel’s make believe games they drift in opposite directions. All of the adults state that this is a part of growing up and entering middle school. Hazel senses something is wrong with Jack and knows in her heart that the cause is supernatural.

There are really two stories going on about one specific journey. Hazel is becoming her own person and slowly developing an independent identity. She must shed her old image to do it. Jack has always been her friend and now is Hazel’s chance to save him. As Hazel becomes more confident, she passes the tests of people who have changed into various twisted characters from classic fairy tales. The people from our world who travel into the enchanted forest change into woodsmen, ballerinas, witches and matchstick girls. Hazel is deciding whether or not she should be her own person, stay the same or conform to society’s expectations and become something she is not; not only in the woods but also at her new school.

For readers who are not familiar with the works of Hans Christian Anderson, his works reflect a specific ideology that is unique to his time period and culture. Also, it can be extremely violent and depressing. This book teaches the lesson that life can be hard and cruel even if magic is real.

The characters in the book are much more layered and complex than I can convey in a short review. This book is challenging and a great focal point to have a real discussion with children, students or book club members. It shows the influence stories have on people forever. Every chapter is full of lush and unique description of snow and it makes Breadcrumbs a perfect end- of- winter read. Hiding under a warm blanket with a cup of cocoa, while reading Breadcrumbs, is recommended.

Laydown Lowdown

It's the first Tuesday in March!  Where is this year going?  Time is flying by way too fast isn't it?  I'm keeping on top of my reading goal of two books a week.  How are you guys doing?  Perhaps, you'll include these latest releases in your "to read," lists. 

Romance lovers will want to catch, "True Highland Spirit," by Amanda Forester or learn why they should, "Never Trust a Scoundrel," by Heather Grothaus.  Things may look "Perfect on Paper," by Janet Goss but it's really "A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing," by Terry Spear.

Over in Sci-Fi, beware the "Nightborn," by Lynn Viehl or you may be making a "Dying Wish," by Shannon K Butcher Hopefully "A Rising Thunder," by David Webber will make it a  "Fair Game," by Patricia Briggs. 

There is a "Cold Wind," by C.J. Box (Joe Pickett #11) in Mystery today.  It's no match for "The Thief," (Isaac Bell #5) by Clive Cussler who is "Chasing Midnight," (Doc Ford #19) by Randy Wayne White.  Hopefully he can outrun the "Agony of the Leaves," by Laura Childs.

 "Balthazar," by Claudia Gray is on the move to YA today.  You probably wouldn't want to "Embrace" him by Jessica Shirvinton today.  He's most likely "Rivals," you by Lauren Kunze.

So there you have your highlights in new releases this week.   Happy Reading and remember to support your local bookstore whenever possible.  Just because our blog is online, it doesn't mean your shopping has to be.

Guilty Pleasures

Everyone is allowed at least one Guilty Pleasure. My largest one is Romance Novels. I can't stop reading them. My next one is Faeries. I love everything about them. I used to run around my living room with wings on my back wishing I would become one. Ever since then I have loved all novels about them. There is something about that level of fantasy meets mortal world that just gives me shivers. So I couldn't pick just one book to cover this week!

First off is Wings by Aprilynne Pike. This book is beautiful. The way she portrays the land of the Fay is just breathtaking. Laurels battle between her Human world and the Faerie World she came from is much like the classic teenagers inner battle between the child they once were and the adult they are becoming...epic. But Aprilynne Pike makes me wish this world was real and alive, and that somehow I was given the honor to protect it like Laurel must. Bravo Miss Pike. Bravo.

Next is Iron King by Julie Kagawa. I am sucker for detail, and when Julie Kagawa described the world that main character and 'faery' Meghan Chase finds herself is intricate, alluring, and classy. Although the best character of all is Puck. Trust me and read this book and make sure you have a copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream handy, you will need it!

Last but not least is the most recent book I have read. The Faerie Path by Frewin Jones. There was something special about this book, although being not what I normally like in a book. I am all for a heroine that can stand her ground and is not a damsel in distress. If I had to describe this book in one word it would be...Betrayal. Goodness there was so much of it. I was sitting on my couch and my boyfriend kept hearing me *gasp* and proceeded to keep checking up on me to make sure I was ok. This book was nerd heroin. I read it in a day and was left shaking my fist in the air as it left me wanting more. Luckily there are now 6 books in the series and I can feed my Faerie hunger some more!!

Are the odds ever in our favor?

At 12AM on March 23, 2012, our group will be gathering at a local theater to see the much-discussed and long awaited "Hunger Games," movie.   This will be the first film based off of Suzanne Collins' best-selling dystopian trilogy wherein teenagers are forced into a death match by their tyrannical government. 

While gritty and dark, this series has been praised by my former co-workers, and now fellow bloggers, for years.  At first I was reluctant to read such a dark tale but as soon I picked up "The Hunger Games," and started reading, I couldn't put it down.  It's not just a bleak tale, it's about fighting not just against a bad government but fighting to be yourself and fighting for what you believe is right, just and moral.

So, this book to film adaptation, needs to be done just right.  We've all seen the trailers and you can view the trailers, here.  As of late, our discussion has been on whether this film will due justice to the novels.  We thought we'd share our discussion with you.

Rachel, who I believe was the first of us to read the series weighs in, "I'm excited and dreading the movie at the same time. I just hope they keep the integrity of the story and don't try to glam it up. Also, this is not a love story. I hope they don't play up the 'omg Peeta and Gale are sooOoOo dreamy' aspect. I also wish we were in Katniss's head for the movie and I'm pissed that they're leaving out Madge. How would Katniss have the money to buy the mockingjay pin? And even if she had the mone,y she wouldn't buy it because it wouldn't be benefiting her family. The reaping scene looks spot on, though."

There is an article about "The Hunger Games" in this week's "Entertainment Weekly",  which notes that producers were determined to the relationships between Peeta, Gale, and Katniss as described in the novel. 

I think we can all agree with Claire's reaction, "I am relieved to hear there is no playing up of the 'love' of Peeta and Katniss. I saw the scene for the reaping and it looks amazing. I can't wait to see the arena and the people watching and in the games."

Eileen is, "...extremely curious about the entire film. My first thought was it's going to be too far away from the story and too Hollywood-ized. But since Suzanne Collins wrote the script I'm not sure what to expect. I'm most excited to see how they visualized the arena."

Naomi is also, "I am excited about it all...I most want to see Rue's scene. If they mess that up I'm going to find their butts and kick 'em. If they do it right I shall pat their heads in appreciation."

Rebecca shares in her sister's opinion," I am so excited for every part of this movie! After something I read today, I'm especially looking forward to some of the things we'll see inside the capitol and the games that we don't get in the books since Katniss doesn't see it.  Every video clip I've seen makes me cry, so I'm most concerned about bringing enough tissues to the theater!"

I am excited to share an evening with my good friends and enjoy the freedoms not allowed in the bleak future described in these novels.  I was also glad they weren't going to soup up the romance factor between Peeta and Katniss or Katniss and Gale.  I think the film will showcase just how horrific and intense the battles and oppression were described in the novel.  Also, even though you shouldn't like those in "the Capitol," I must admit their costumes, hair, and make-up are beautiful !

So what do you guys think?  Please share with us below.  Even if it's a snarky comment, it's OK!  We have snark in our own group.  This is what Alan had to say when asked what he liked about "The Hunger Games, "I like the part where the zombie steals the shuttlecraft and tries to fly it into a black hole, but Peeta crushes it's skull with a Dymo label maker."

So please share your opinion below.  The odds are ever in your favor that we might like it!

A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin

With “A Song of Ice and Fire,” George R. R. Martin has created (check that - is creating) a whole new world of adventure, intrigue, myth, and romance. I am eagerly awaiting “The Winds of Winter,” which is the sixth and (allegedly) penultimate installment of Martin’s epic “A Song of Ice and Fire,” which began with “A Game of Thrones.”

Martin has created a myriad of vivid, fleshed-out characters, with an emphasis on “fleshed.”  They range in extreme from being honorable to a fault, to almost utterly depraved, and it is sometimes difficult to tell hero from villain.  This is not a Middle Earth wherein the lines between the forces of good and evil are (usually) will delineated.  The denizens of Westeros and Essos constantly find themselves faced with choices between “right” and “wrong” that fly in the faces of their respective paradigms.

Because Martin tells his story in 3rd person, with each chapter focusing on one specific character’s point of view, the reader is truly able to see into the minds of Martin’s minions, and will find empathy in some characters that they would never have imagined at the outset of the tale.  Not all of them, mind you.  There are more than a few characters who, the more you get to know them, the more you’ll be rooting for their beheading.  His world is so detailed, and involves so many vivid characters, that I sometimes forget who I think I’m supposed to be rooting for.  This doesn’t detract from the story at all.  It’s just what it is.  Fortunately, Martin provides appendices breaking down the different families and coats of arms.  I’ve been referring to them frequently.

And Martin will certainly keep you on your toes, too.  As I alluded earlier, I’ve read the first five books.  Each time I thought I knew where he was going with a character and thought to myself, “okay, THIS is the person who’s going to straighten every thing out,” I’ll read a bit further and say (sometimes out loud), “no way!”

Yes.  Way.

While “A Song of Ice and Fire” is regarded as “epic fantasy,” the fantastical elements of the saga are quite matter of fact (yes, there used to be dragons, but they’ve all been dead for thousands of years - no wait, by golly, there are some, and they can be pretty darn nasty.  But right now we’ve got those undead “Others” to worry about - if the dragons ever get here, we’ll just have to deal with it then).

I haven’t seen any of the “Game of Thrones” mini-series.  I intend to keep it that way, too.  At least until George R. R. Martin has finished telling his tale.  Maybe then I will, but right now I’m having too much fun with my own vision of Westeros to go swim in someone else’s pool.

Can you imagine if you had been able to read Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring” when it was first published, and then had to wait for “The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King,” respectively?  Oh, the antici...................pation.  I’m not saying “A Song of Ice and Fire” is an equal to “The Lord of the Rings,” but as a reader of books, this could be your next chance to find something special as it’s being created.  

Get started by buying “Game of Thrones” at your local brick and mortar bookstore. Invest yourself in what could be considered a classic work some day.

Content Alert:  This is a work for adults.  If you have kids, and wouldn’t take them to see an R rated movie, then you won’t want them reading “A Song of Ice and Fire.”  There is violence, profanity and sexuality that most people, I believe, would not think appropriate for children.  This ain’t yo mama’s Middle Earth.

Basso for Hire

Laydown Lowdown

There are a lot of new releases today.  It's a good thing it's a leap year.  You'll have a whole extra day tomorrow to get lost in a good book.

Flit on over to the Romance section and you'll find the sixth novel in Robyn Carr's "Virgin River" series, "Redwood Bend," as well as "Spellbound Falls," by best-selling author, Janet Chapman.  If you have trouble putting a book down at bedtime, you may find yourself "Against the Night," by Kat Martin.  Or, you could get caught, "Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea," by Sophia Nash.

You can take an "Angels' Flight," by Nalini Singh to the Science Fiction and Fantasy section.  You'll see the "Artic Rising," by Tobias S. Buckell and discover a "Kingdom Beseiged," by Raymond Feist.  You better hold on to your "Touchstone," by Melanie Rawn.

Sneaking over to the Mystery section may result in your "Downfall," by Terri Blackstock.  You may find yourself the victim of a "Cinnamon Roll Murder," by Joanne Fluke.

Still Mystery may be a safer place than the Young Adult section today.  It's in utter "Pandemonium," by Lauren Oliver (the sequel to Delirium reviewed here).  Hold fast to your "Allegiance," by Cayla Kluver. 

If you're not interested in any of these titles then you may be a "Lone Wolf," by Jodi Picoult.

Happy Reading Everyone !! Those are your latest releases for this week.   Remember to support your local bookstores whenever possible.  I enjoy watching "Two Broke Girls," but I don't like being one.  Booksellers need your support. 

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